Moving house is one of the most exciting and challenging experiences you can go through. Packing up, organising, and moving your belongings takes a lot of physical and mental effort — and it’s important to do it right for the safety and security of your belongings.
With the world currently on a budget, many home-movers opt to transfer their belongings in a car rather than a moving van. You might have less space to work with, but you’ll be saving money. This is where our moving packing tips and car packing hacks might come in handy to you.
At Bluebox Storage, we know how important it is to have a smooth and streamlined moving process, which is exactly why we’ve put together this guide with tips for packing your car for moving. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or it’s your first time, here’s how to make the most of your space when moving in a car.
Which packaging should you use when moving in your car?
There can be no packing without the right boxes and packaging. Choosing the best packaging materials for the job will protect your belongings when on the go.
- Cardboard boxes for packing: Strong, durable cardboard boxes are a must-have. They come in various sizes, allowing you to pack everything from books to kitchenware into your car securely.
- Bubble wrap: To prevent breakage, fragile items like glassware and expensive electronics should be wrapped in bubble wrap. Bubble wrap will cushion your valuables, reducing the risk of any unexpected damage.
- Furniture covers: To avoid scratches or dents to the furniture or your car, make sure you cover furniture with specialised furniture covers. This is especially important if you’re transporting leather or wooden items, as they’re prone to extra damage.
- Permanent marker and tape: There’s no point in packing up your car with belongings if you’re unsure what’s what. Use a permanent marker to label your boxes, and secure them with hardy packing tape to prevent any of your stuff from going walkies.
You can buy all of these essential packaging items with Bluebox Storage, with free collection from all our Bluebox Storage locations. Simply get in touch with us to place your packaging order.
5 moving and packing tips and tricks to remember
Efficient home-packing is all about maximising space while keeping your items safe. Here are some moving packing tips and tricks to help you get started:
Plan ahead
Before you start packing, we recommend creating a moving checklist with one column for packing and one for when you unpack. This will help you stay organised and ensure nothing is forgotten while unloading your car.
Sort and declutter
Moving is a great opportunity to review your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. This will hopefully reduce the number of items you’ll need to pack and transport in the car.
Label everything — future you will thank you!
Clearly label every box with its contents and the room it should go in when unloading. This will make the moving process easier, giving you more time to complete car runs.
Pack strategically
Always remember to place heavier items at the bottom of your packing boxes and lighter items on top. This will make the boxes easier to remove from the car and prevent damage.
Use all the space you have
Make the most of your car’s space by filling every nook and cranny. You’ll be surprised at how many small items can be tucked into shoes, and soft items like clothes or towels can be used as padding around more fragile objects.
How to efficiently pack a car for moving
Ready to nail your car packing strategy for moving? Get it right the first time with our insider tips.
Packing the essentials
Always pack your essential items last — like an overnight bag with clothes, toiletries, and important documents you’ll need right away. Put these in the car last, so that these are the first items you can get your hands on when you arrive at your destination.
Make use of vertical space
Stack lighter boxes and items on top of heavier ones to secure your belongings and protect them from breakage. It’s a good idea to use straps, ropes, or even tape to avoid movement while driving.
Secure fragile items
If you have fragile items, place them in a secure spot in your car where they won’t shift. The footwells, the glove box, the side door pockets — everything is up for grabs! Use pillows, blankets, or even pieces of clothing to cushion them.
Fill the gaps between boxes
Remember to use smaller items to fill any gaps between boxes. This will maximise your car’s space and also prevent items from moving.
Could a Bluebox Storage unit help you move?
There’s no denying that moving is stressful, and sometimes, you need that extra space for your belongings as your items simply won’t fit in your new space. Whether you’re in between homes, downsizing, or simply need a place to store excess items during your move, our Northeast storage units offer the perfect solution.
Our storage units come in various sizes to suit your needs, offering a secure, accessible, and affordable option for temporary or long-term storage. Plus, with self storage in Gateshead,container storage facilities in Middlesbrough, storage units in Darlington, Stockton, South Shields and more, you’re never far from a Bluebox Storage facility.
Get in touch with our team, to get a personalised quote for your storage and start your move with confidence.
